Kim Macchiarella’s small engine storage solution has the innovative spark.
Her company, Kims Oil, and product, One Shot Mc Shot, were selected by a panel of judges at the recent InnovateHER competition to represent the region at the semi-final stage. She was one of 10 women who presented their businesses and ideas for an opportunity to move up in the contest.
“As entrepreneurs, we often question ourselves about the path we are on,” Macchiarella said. “Being named the region InnovateHER honoree refreshes validation that, ‘yes, I am on the right path and need to keep moving forward.’”
The 2017 Northwest Indiana event was the first regional competition and was spearheaded by the Business Women United Network and co-hosted by the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. The Small Business Administration InnovateHER Challenge encourages local events to spotlight innovative products and services that have an impact on women and families.
Angela Crossin, president of Business Women United Network, said leading the event was an opportunity to highlight the organization’s mission to empower women.
“We wanted to bring a unique entrepreneurial program to Northwest Indiana focusing on women in a collaborative manner,” she said. “The event raised awareness regarding the advancements and hurdles women face in business even today. We brought together women from various walks of life who bonded instantly and are reaching out to one another with the intent of keeping the momentum going.
“We accomplished our two-fold goal of awareness and empowerment.”
As the region winner, Macchiarella was awarded a year of co-working space, legal services, a one-year membership to the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce and additional coaching services.
“Kim’s business plan is being refined and will be uploaded to the national SBA Web site for the next round of review,” Crossin said.
The SBA will choose 10 finalists to participate in the InnovateHER Final Challenge later this year in the Washington, D.C., area to pitch their offerings and vie for $70,000 in prizes.
Macchiarella’s patent-pending product was borne from a childhood spent tinkering with all sorts of motors. She sees her One Shot Mc Shot as solving two problems: sealing small engines after spark plug removal and insertion of a measured amount of lubricant into the engine cylinder. These solutions both assist with the maintenance and storage of small engines.
“My product is unique because it empowers people to do their own small engine storage maintenance where no mechanic knowledge is needed,” she said. “The One Shot Mc Shot is a simple small engine storage solution in a one-shot, one-time use, recyclable applicator that keeps harmful particles out, lubricates and saves you money all in one shot.”